Current Affairs - Persons

Gopichand Thotakura became India's first civilian space tourist by participating in Blue Origin's New Shepard-25 (NS-25) mission. His achievement makes him the second Indian citizen to travel to space, following Rakesh Sharma. Thotakura's journey represents a significant step in India's space exploration endeavours, reflecting the nation's growing involvement in space tourism and civilian participation in space missions. His return was celebrated in New Delhi, marking this milestone in India's space history.

Avinash Sable made history by becoming India's first-ever Olympic 3000m steeplechase medallist. He is set to compete in the 12th Diamond League meet in Poland at the Silesian Stadium, aiming to build on his performance at the Paris Olympic Games with a timing of 8:14.18. His participation alongside other elite athletes highlights his significant presence in global track events.

The Prime Minister of India congratulated Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who became Thailand's Prime Minister, and expressed his eagerness to work together to bolster India-Thailand relations. PM's message highlighted the strong historical and cultural ties between the two nations, emphasizing a shared commitment to further cooperation in areas such as security, trade, and economic development.

Vinay Mohan Kwatra has taken over as India's Ambassador to the US, following Taranjit Singh Sandhu. Kwatra is a seasoned Indian diplomat who previously served as the 34th Foreign Secretary of India from May 2022 to July 2024. His extensive diplomatic experience includes serving as the Ambassador of India to France and Nepal. This new appointment highlights his significant role in representing India in key international relations, particularly with the United States.

Natwar Singh, who passed away at the age of 95, served as India’s External Affairs Minister from 2004 to 2005 during the UPA-I government led by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. A distinguished career diplomat and Congress MP, he was also recognized for his contributions to diplomacy and foreign policy, earning the Padma Bhushan in 1984. In addition to his political career, he was a prolific author and served as the ambassador to Pakistan, further solidifying his legacy in Indian foreign affairs.